Q. Are there any league restrictions on Jordan returning to the Bulls?

A. No. It's entirely the club's decision. Based on the incredible success Jordan brought to Chicago, one would figure the Bulls would make room for him.

Q. How would Jordan fit in with his teammates?

A. The addition of any new player affects team chemistry, but this would be a special case. The Bulls have been mediocre this season - 30 victories, 30 losses - but an in-shape Jordan immediately would catapult them back among the league's elite. Controversial forward Scottie Pippen has become the team leader since Jordan left, so it would be interesting and important to see how he reacts if Jordan returns. The players' reaction probably would be mostly positive, though, since the Bulls' chances of success would increase.

Q. Can he help the Bulls much this season?

A. Absolutely. The Bulls are all but certain to qualify for the playoffs, which start in late April. If Jordan announces in the next week or so that he'll return to the NBA, he and his teammates would have plenty of time to get reacclimated before the playoffs. And the Bulls would be a dangerous opponent to face in the postseason. Reportedly, the odds against Chicago's winning the NBA championship improved from 16-1 to 8-1 when rumors of Jordan's return started swirling.

Q. What number would he wear?

A. He could wear 23, his retired number that hangs from the rafters of Chicago's United Center. Or he could wear 45, the number he wore for the Double-A Birmingham Barons in baseball.

Q. Whose playing time would decrease if Jordan returned?

A. The Bulls have no current marquee attractions other than Pippen and possibly Croatian forward Toni Kukoc, so many players would figure to see less action. Perhaps the two most affected would be guard Steve Kerr, an excellent outside shooter who lacks outstanding quickness, and Ron Harper, a swingman whose play hasn't lived up to his big-bucks contract.